PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

16 April 2025, CANBERRA – The Philippine Embassy in Canberra successfully conducted a Post Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) for Filipino international students in Canberra on 12 April 2025. The seminar was attended by around 40 participants, including students from Australian National University (ANU) and University of Canberra (UC).

Information on the programs and services of the Embassy, Fair Work Ombudsman and useful tips for students were provided during the event. Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Antonio Morales, in his remarks, welcomed the students, provided encouragement and shared to them his own experience as an international student once.

Minister and Consul General Aian Caringal introduced the various divisions of the Consular Section of the Embassy as well as the persons-in-charge who also provided an overview of their respective desks. Consul Rainier Casis talked about the Overseas Voting and announced the start of the election which is on the following day, 13 April 2025. Mr. Oscar Anthony David presented the Migrant Workers’ Office services and some information on the local labor welfare. Assistant Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, Colonel Paul Anthony Aviquivil gave briefing on the Safety and Security contingency measures.

ANU Alumnus and former President of the Australian National University Filipino Association (ANUFA), Mr. Epifanio Gregorio Terbio, shared his experience as international student in Canberra and left five takeaways for the students: Planning their journey, building support system, focusing on studies first, be flexible when things do not go as planned, and to never forget where they came from - their Filipino root.

According to the Department of Education of Australia, as of November 2024, the Philippines has the fifth largest population of international students. The total population of international Filipino students under the Embassy’s jurisdiction from Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Australia Capital Territory is 12,786. END